<html><body>
<a href="https://Realestate.com.au" target="_blank">Realestate.com.au</a> has the biggest national market share of any real estate website around the world, according to data compiled by its former chief executive, Simon Baker.
Each month, 3.8 million unique users visit the website, which is 17% of Australia’s population.
Baker has published a list of the top real estate portals ranked by the percentage of a nation’s population the websites reached.
Luxembourg’s <a href="https://athome.lu" target="_blank">athome.lu</a> was second at 15.4%, or 100,000 people, followed by Belgium’s <a href="https://immoweb.be" target="_blank">immoweb.be</a>, which reached 14% of Belgium’s population with 1.4 million users.
Countries with much bigger populations congregated at the bottom of the list. Websites like China’s <a href="https://soufun.cn" target="_blank">soufun.cn</a> have 13 million users but only reach 1% of the nation’s huge population.
The list only includes the top real estate website in each country.
The list used numbers from Google Ad Planner’s January 2012 figures. It was published on <a href="https://propertyportalwatch.com" target="_blank">propertyportalwatch.com</a> by Baker.
“Lots of arguments can be made about the efficacy and even accuracy of this analysis. However, I wasn’t aiming for perfection, just in [sic] build a better understanding of the global market place and how everyone is placed,” Baker writes.
Baker was chief executive of REA from 2001 to 2008. The company launched in 1995.
Property Observer notes 3.8 million unique users does not necessarily translate to 3.8 million different people visiting a website. One user could visit a website from several devices, such as a home computer, a work computer, ipad and a smartphone and the REA website would register three different unique users.
 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="456"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
Portal
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Country
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
Unique Users (m)
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
Percentage of Population
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://realestate.com.au/">https://realestate.com.au</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Australia
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
3.8
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
17.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://athome.lu/">https://athome.lu</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Luxembourg
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.1
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
15.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://immoweb.be/">https://immoweb.be</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Belgium
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
1.4
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
14%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://funda.nl/">https://funda.nl</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Netherlands
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.3
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
13.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://daft.ie/">https://daft.ie</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Ireland
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.6
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
13.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://rightmove.co.uk/">https://rightmove.co.uk</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
UK
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
6.7
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
10.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://immobilienscout24.de/">https://immobilienscout24.de</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Germany
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
7.4
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
9.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://propertyguru.com.sg/">https://propertyguru.com.sg</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Singapore
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.4
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
8.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://realtor.ca/">https://realtor.ca</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Canada
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.4
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
7.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://idealista.es/">https://idealista.es</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Spain
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.6
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
5.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://seloger.fr/">https://seloger.fr</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
France
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.9
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
4.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://realestate.yahoo.com/">https://realestate.yahoo.com</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
USA
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
13
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://casa.it/">https://casa.it</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Italy
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.2
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
3.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://casasapo.pt/">https://casasapo.pt</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Portugal
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.3
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
2.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://athome.jp/">https://athome.jp</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Japan
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.4
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
1.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://iproperty.com.my/">https://iproperty.com.my</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Malaysia
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.5
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
1.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://soufun.cn/">https://soufun.cn</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
China
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
13
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://imovelweb.com.br/">https://imovelweb.com.br</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Brazil
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
1.2
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
0.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://metroscubicos.com.mx/">https://metroscubicos.com.mx</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Mexico
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.3
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
0.3%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
</body></html>

awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Realestate.com.au has highest market share of any real estate website in the world

<html><body>
Bororen is a red-hot locality in Queensland, with official land values increasing 69.7% from 2010 to 2011, according to Queensland Valuer-General Neil Bray’s latest report.
He found Bororen’s median land values increased from $33,000 in October 2010 to $56,000 in October 2011.
Bray says growth<a target="_blank" href="/news"> in the Gladstone area</a> is fuelled by recent development of the liquefied natural gas industry.
Bororen is 48 kilometres south of Gladstone and 140 kilometres south-east of Rockhampton. It is semi-rural with small acreages. 
Local agent Daryl Turner from Raine &amp; Horne Calliope says while he doesn’t necessarily believe the figure is accurate he thinks the town has been doing well.
“I don’t think that’s true but everything around has increased,” he says.
He says although the town is 50 kilometres away from the nearest gas project it has been reaping the benefits.
“I’ve been selling real estate here for the last 39 years. There’s been a lot of growth in the last five years. It’s been massive,” he says.
Turner says people buying in Bororen are gas workers taking advantage of lower prices, and they tend to commute <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/warrnambool-emerges-but-queensland-s-gladstone-still-darling-of-investment-experts/2012011653050">to Gladstone</a>.
He expects growth to continue for the next five to 10 years with the building of gas projects.
“They won’t finish construction for at least another five years, they’re talking 10 years now,” Turner says.
“There are 25,000 more workers to come. It will keep doing well.”
<img src="/images/stories/warleighst.jpg">
Turner sold 50 Wadeleigh Street (pictured above) on January 6 for $220,000. RP Data reports the land value for the 1,131-square-metre block as $24,500. The house last traded in May 2007 for $175,000.
The 69% figure reported by Bray likely represents an understatement of official land values when they were last done.
<a href="https://realestate.com.au/" target="_blank">Realestate.com.au</a> reports median house prices to be $220,000, while the past three sales listed on RP Data are $255,000, $220,000 and $375,000.
Gladstone mayor Gail Sellers says she doesn’t anticipate a huge rise in rates despite the increase.
“I don’t expect they will go up quite a lot. I certainly do not. But we have to think about our requirements for revenue,” she says.
“Most councils are mindful of the amount that they increase but they have to look at the needs for the region and they have to take into account what is needed to run the organisation.”
The land tax threshold in Queensland is $600,000 for individuals and $350,000 for companies and trustees.
The Queensland Office of State Revenue calculates tax using the total value of all land owned, with some exemptions for properties used as a home or for farming.
 
 
 
</body></html>

Gladstone effect pushes up Bororen land values almost 70%

<html><body>
Median property values in the mining-focused town of Gladstone increased 19% from 2010 to 2011 according to the Queensland Valuer-General Neil Bray’s annual report.
The locality of Bororen performed best in the area, increasing 69.7% from $33,000 to $56,000, according to Bray.
Gladstone mayor Gail Sellers told Property Observer the value rise was driven by LNG and mining investment in the area with vacancy rates less than 1%.
Of the 44 localities within the municipality 30 increased in value, 13 had no change and one property decreased in value.
Bray says residential values have generally risen by 10-50% in Gladstone and surrounding towns.
Despite the value increases Sellers anticipates that council rates will not rise dramatically.
“I don’t expect they will go up quite a lot. I certainly do not. But we have to think about our requirements for revenue,” she says.
“Most councils are mindful of the amount that they increase but they have to look at the needs for the region and they have to take into account what is needed to run the organisation.”
She says the difference in value changes through the region would make it hard to set rates.
"The rise has not been uniform across the region. If the rise had been uniform, we could have dropped the rate in the dollar. So that would help everyone. But because it’s been different in all the towns, it’s going to be extremely difficult.”
A lot of the growth in land value was driven by LNG developments.
“Some localities such as Gladstone and surrounding towns reflected large increases in median values due to large industrial and liquefied natural gas (LNG) developments in those localities,” Bray says.
“The Gladstone region is experiencing significant growth driven by the establishment of LNG industries on Curtis Island and port expansion at Fishermans Landing and Wiggins Island.
“This growth is limited to the northern section of the local government area with softer market conditions existing in southern areas.”
Bray found changes in Agnes Water and 1770 have been variable with some increases and some decreases.
Sellers says tourism in 1770 has suffered recently.
“They had a bad year in 1770 with the floods. They happened over Christmas at the major time for tourists. The floods meant no one could get in so they missed their usual tourist rush.”
Despite this, she says hotel vacancies during the week in the Gladstone region have been exceptionally tight.
“During the week we have no vacancies, you have to book weeks and weeks in advance.”
“Some of the hotels have been bought by industry and they use them as a workers camp. So that’s taken two or three motels off the market.”
Bray found commercial lands commercial lands have increased in value while industrial lands had less change.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 480px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
Previous median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
New median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
Change median  value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Bororen
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
33,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
56,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
69.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Miriam Vale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
47,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
71,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
49.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Kirkwood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
160,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
225,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
40.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Toolooa
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
38.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Kin Kora
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
180,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
38.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Sun Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
38
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Boyne Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
44,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
60,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
36.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Gladstone City
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
185,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
36
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Calliope
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
129,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
175,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
35.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
West Gladstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
32.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
South Gladstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
137,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
175,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
27.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
New Auckland
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
26.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Telina
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
145,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
25.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Barney Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
149,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
25.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Wooderson
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
25.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Burua
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
236,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
295,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Beecher
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
232,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
290,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Boyne Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
227,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
O'Connell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
205,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Clinton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
177,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
23.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Agnes Water
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
190,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
20.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
West Stowe
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
190,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
20.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Tannum Sands
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
235,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
19
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Glen Eden
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
149,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
177,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
18.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Ambrose
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
22,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
26,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
15.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Raglan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
26,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
30,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
15.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Mount Larcom
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
69,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
79,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
14.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Yarwun
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
56,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
64,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
14.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Wurdong Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
141,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
9.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Benaraby
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
185,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
9.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Curtis Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Euleilah
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Eurimbula
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
23,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
23,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Facing Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
77,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
77,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Farmers Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Gatcombe
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
74,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
74,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Lowmead
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
23,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
23,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Northcliff
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
89,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
89,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Rosedale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
40,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
40,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Rules Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Southend
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Turkey Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Turtle Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
810,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
810,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Seventeen Seventy
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
600,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
480,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
-20
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
All localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
180,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
29.5
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
</body></html>

Gladstone property values officially up 20% in a year, while investors await rate revisions

<html><body>
The Queensland town of 1770, the site of Captain Cook’s second landing in Australia, is the only locality in the area of boom Gladstone municaplity where land values decreased over the last year, according to Queensland’s valuer-general.
Land values in the ugly duckling locality decreased 20%, while neighbouring towns increased by an average of 19%, with Bororen, 40 kilometres east, increasing a stellar 70%.
Valuer-General Neil Bray found median land values decreased from $600,000 in October 2010 to $480,000 in October 2011.
The town has traditionally been a tourism hotspot, with tourists seeking the beaches, coral reefs and local wildlife. When Captain Cook landed here he shot and ate a pelican, afterwards saying it was the best bird he’d eaten since he left England.
A recent report by Colliers found as overseas trips by Australians soared, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/dollar-hurting-tourism-especially-queensland-coastal-hotel-occupancy-rba/2012030653721">the Queensland hotel business suffered significantly</a>.
Local agent James White remains upbeat about the future of 1770. So confident, in fact, that he just bought a $1 million house in the area.
“Tourism did die a bit during global financial crisis, but it has definitely picked up recently,” he says.
White says while property prices have decreased significantly over the last years, clearance rates have doubled.
“The prices here were very high. The land prices three or four years ago were $800,000 for a 600-square-metre vacant lot,” he says.
“It’s a reduction, but it’s part of the whole price adjustment.”
Sales in the area were previously driven by people buying holiday homes, but White has seen a shift to local buyers.
“We’re selling twice as much as three or four years ago, mostly to local buyers.”
He says “95% of the buyers are from the Gladstone region. It used to be around 60%.
“Local buyers are sustainable. They invest in the area and support local businesses. Southern buyers tend to come and go again.”
He recently sold 14 Endeavour Street for $498,000, a property he had previously sold in 2008 for $774,000.
He also recently sold 6 Endeavour Street for $850,000, a three-bedroom home that last traded for $535,000 in 2001. RP Data reports it was on the market for 174 days.
Realestate.com.au reports that the average sale price in 1770 is $850,000.
But he thinks prices will bounce back with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) and mining projects in the Gladstone area.
“All of the activity here comes from the confidence from the mining and LNG region. Ever since the five LNG plants were fully announced 14 months ago property sales have started soaring.”
“There are $91 billion worth of projects going on around here and more and more are announced all the time. In fact a nickel [project] was just announced last week.”
“That’s where I think this area will experience fantastic growth.”
The land tax threshold in Queensland is $600,000 for individuals and $350,000 for companies and trustees.
The tax Queensland Office of State Revenue calculates tax using the total value of all land owned, with exemptions for properties used as a home or for farming.
Photograph by Pierre Pouliquin courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>.
 
 
</body></html>

Property values on the rocks in 1770, site of Captain Cook’s second landing

<html><body>
Houses took nearly 11 months to sell in Ouyen last year, the slowest-selling locality in Victoria, according to RP Data. Ouyen houses took more than 100 days longer to sell than houses in the next slowest-selling locality, Paradise Beach. Property Observer notes there were just 17 sales in Ouyen last year.
<table width="205" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Locality
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Days on Market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Ouyen
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
324
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Paradise Beach
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
221
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Kerang
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
196
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Donald
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
191
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Briagolong
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
190
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Chiltern
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
186
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Malmsbury
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
184
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Metung
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
184
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Coburg
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
183
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Grantville
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
182
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source: RP Data
</body></html>

Ouyen the slowest-selling locality in Victoria: RP data

<html><body>
The City of Ipswich recently topped an RBA list of the regions with the highest rates of mortgage arrears.
But land values have remained surprisingly unchanged over the past year.
According to the Queensland Valuer-General’s annual valuation released this week land values in 66 Ipswich localities stayed steady from October 2010 to October 2011.
There was a jump in just one locality across the City of Ipswich since last year, which was Deebing Heights.
Medium prices in the rural locality of Deebing Heights increased 1.3% from $197,500 in 2010 to $200,000 in 2011, according to the valuer general Neil Bray.
Bray found over the whole region land values increased 0.1%, reflecting the static market in the area.
Bray said allowances made in 2010 for flood affected properties had been carried for into the new valuations.
“Apart from isolated changes to reflect environmental changes or local sales evidence residential valuations are predominantly unchanged,” Bray says.
“Minor changes were recorded in commercial values with some neighbourhood shopping centre values increasing slightly.”
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 460px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Previous median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
New median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
Change in median value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Deebing Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
200,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
1.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Amberley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
86,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
86,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ashwell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
97,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
97,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Augustine Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
207,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Barellan Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Basin Pocket
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
131,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
131,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Bellbird Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
148,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
148,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Blackstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Booval
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Brassall
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
152,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
152,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Bundamba
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
128,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
128,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Calvert
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
67,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
67,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Camira
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Churchill
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Chuwar
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Coalfalls
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Collingwood Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
127,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
127,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Dinmore
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
East Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
126,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
126,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Eastern Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
149,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
149,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ebbw Vale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
123,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
123,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ebenezer
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Flinders View
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Gailes
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Goodna
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Grandchester
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
68,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
68,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Haigslea
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
130 750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
130 750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ironbark
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Karalee
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Karrabin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Lanefield
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Leichhardt
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Lower Mount Walker
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Marburg
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
94,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
94,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Moores Pocket
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Mount Forbes
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
70,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
70,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Mount Marrow
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
156,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
156,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Muirlea
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
141,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
141,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Newtown
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
North Booval
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
120,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
120,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
North Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
North Tivoli
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
87,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
87,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
One Mile
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Peak Crossing
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
93,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
93,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Pine Mountain
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
183,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
183,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Purga
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Raceview
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Redbank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Redbank Plains
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ripley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Riverview
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
110,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
110,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Rosewood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Sadliers Crossing
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Silkstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
South Ripley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
80,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
80,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Springfield
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Springfield Lakes
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
160,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
160,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Tallegalla
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
117,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
117,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Thagoona
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
108,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
108,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Tivoli
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Walloon
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
West Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
120,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
120,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Willowbank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Woodend
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Wulkuraka
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Yamanto
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
All residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

Ipswich land values remain static despite high rate of mortgage arrears

<html><body>
Queensland's Valuer-General released the annual land valuations for properties in the Gold Coast City Council area this week.
Of the 73 localities in the Gold Coast City region, 43 went down in value, 28 had no change in value and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/the-only-two-gold-coast-suburbs-where-values-have-gone-up-in-2011/2012032954069">two increased in value</a>.
The area had an overall decrease in median values of -5.1%, from $247,500 to $235,000.
Valuer-General Neil Bray says the Gold Coast City Council area’s land values reduced by 8% overall since the last valuation in 2011.
Residential values continued to fall in most localities within the local government area, Bray says.
“Generally land values in the central coastal areas of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach have declined in value by almost 50% since the 2008 peak,” he says.
Decisions on future planned construction projects along with weakening retail, industrial and tourism markets have had negative flow-on effects in spending and growth within the wider community, Mr Bray noted.
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
Median value at 1/10/2010 ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
Median value 1/10/2011 ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
Change in median value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Paradise Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
490,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
417,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-14.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Runaway Bay
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
415,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
360,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-13.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Arundel
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
247,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
217,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-12.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Labrador
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
225,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-11.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Surfers Paradise
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
790,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
700,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-11.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Clear Island Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
560,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
500,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Molendinar
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
240,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
215,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Ashmore
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
270,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Elanora
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
245,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
220,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Hollywell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
270,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Jacobs Well
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
220,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Benowa
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
345,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
310,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Yatala
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
345,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
310,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Main Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
1,000,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
900,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Parkwood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
225,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Woongoolba
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
126,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Alberton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
131,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
118,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Springbrook
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
128,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Gilberton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
143,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
129,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Steiglitz
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
232,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
210,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Norwell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
135,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
122,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Helensvale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
212,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
192,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Bundall
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
430,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
390,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Burleigh Heads
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
325,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
300,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-7.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Stapylton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
117,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-6.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Currumbin Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
237,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
222,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-6.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Tugun
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
270,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Tallebudgera Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
186,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
176,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Coolangatta
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
375,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
355,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Currumbin Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
187,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
177,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Tallebudgera
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
251,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
238,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Broadbeach Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
510,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
485,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Mount Nathan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Southport
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Miami
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
310,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
295,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Ormeau Hills
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
207,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Bilinga
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
340,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
325,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Currumbin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
330,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
317,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-3.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Robina
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
275,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
265,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-3.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Carrara
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
237,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
232,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-2.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Biggera Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
280,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
275,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-1.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Palm Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
305,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
300,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-1.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Ormeau
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
207,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
205,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-1.2
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

Paradise Point tops the 43 worst-performing Gold Coast localities in 2011

<html><body>
The Queensland Valuer-General has released the annual land valuations for properties in the Gold Coast City Council area this week.
Valuer-General Neil Bray says the Gold Coast City Council area’s land values had fallen by 8% overall since the last valuation in 2011.
Residential values <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/the-43-worst-performing-gold-coast-localities-in-2011/2012032954070" target="_blank">continued to fall in most localities</a> within the local government area, Bray says. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/twenty-eight-localities-on-the-gold-coast-with-values-going-nowhere/2012051354265">They remained stable in two localities</a>.
“Generally land values in the central coastal areas of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach have declined in value by almost 50 per cent since the 2008 peak,” he says.
Decisions on future planned construction projects along with weakening retail, industrial and tourism markets have had negative flow-on effects in spending and growth within the wider community, Bray notes.
Of the 73 localities in the Gold Coast City region, 43 went down in value, 28 had no change in value and two increased in value.
<table style="width: 470px;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="137">
Median value at 1/10/2010 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Median value at 1/10/2011 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
Change in median value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Numinbah Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="137">
$147,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
$168,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
14.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Lower Beechmont
</td>
<td valign="top" width="137">
$131,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
$138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
4.9
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

The only two Gold Coast suburbs where values have gone up in 2011

<html><body>
Blockades remain in place and some businesses closed at 447 Collins Street in Melbourne, as many tenants still wait for compensation for lost income.
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/collinsst3.jpg">A two-metre-by-one-metre marble panel fell from the Suncorp building into the forecourt, a popular lunch spot for nearby workers, on January 30, causing the City of Melbourne to issue an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/MediaReleases/Pages/Councilstatementon477CollinsStMelbourne.aspx">emergency order</a> requiring the building to be cordoned off.
The building has since remained partially fenced off while the building’s owners, Industry Superannuation Property Trust, still continue work to remove and stabilise the remaining panels.
The blockade forced the temporary <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/tenants-yet-to-get-compensation-guidance-after-emergency-closure-of-collins-street-office-building/2012020953323">closure of many small retail businesses</a> on the street level of the building as pedestrians could not access the shops.
Tenants met with the owners of the building to discuss compensation for lost business on February 10 but more than six weeks later just one tenant has received any payout.
The tenant of one business says she hasn’t heard anything about her claim.
“We’re still waiting. They say they’re working on it,” she says.
“We’ve given them out paperwork but we haven’t heard anything yet,” a neighbouring business owner says.
While some businesses were able to stay open, they did not have their regular street access and were only accessible through the corridors of the ground floor, which is accessible through the basement car- ark of the building.
“It’s been a hard time for us. People can’t see us from the street,” one business owner says.
ISPT chief executive Daryl Browning says the onus is currently on the tenants and many still haven’t lodged paperwork.
“We don’t just write blank cheques. That wouldn’t be the right thing to do,” he says.
“There’s no question about them not being paid. When they’re able to demonstrate how much they would be forgoing [they will be compensated].
“There’s no hidden agenda here, there’s no game being played with the tenants.”
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" src="/images/stories/collinsst5.jpg">
Despite his hairdressing business being closed for six weeks, a retailer named Abraham remains upbeat.
“We’re happy enough. We just wish it was a bit quicker.”
“It’s just lucky no one was hurt. That’s the main thing.”
He was initially told his business would be closed for just two weeks but the Flinders Lane pavement remained blocked for six weeks.
“It’s hard to say how much business we’ve lost. People will just go somewhere else.”
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" src="/images/stories/collinsst4.jpg">
All the panels from the Flinders Lane side of the building have been removed, and work continues on the other sides of the building.
“At the moment they are simply being stabilised,” says Browning.
“Further decisions and discussions will take place in the future.
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/collinsst6.jpg">“The priority is to get it stabilised.”
Browning says there is no definite date for when fencing would come down.
ISPT is one of the largest property funds in Australia, managing $7 billion worth of investments. In Melbourne it owns 500 Bourke Street, Casselden Place, 114 William Street, Melbourne GPO, 474 St Kilda Road and 50 Lonsdale Street.
ISPT bought 447 Collins Street for $81 million from AXA in November 2004.
 
 
</body></html>

Retail tenants still awaiting compensation two months after Melbourne office building’s emergency closure

<html><body>
Houses in South Australia’s slowest-selling suburb, Tumby Bay, north of Port Lincoln, took 174 days to sell last year, according to RP Data. This was closely followed by Meningie and Milang, south of Adelaide, where houses took 164 days to sell. There were 24 sales in Tumby Bay.
<table width="217" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Localities
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Days on Market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Tumby Bay
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
174
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Meningie
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
164
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Milang
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
164
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Maitland
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
160
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Minlaton
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
159
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
West Lakes Shore
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
159
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Hindmarsh Island
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
157
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Keith
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
156
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Yorketown
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
155
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Kapunda
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
154
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
</body></html>

Tumby Bay slowest-selling locality in South Australia: RP Data

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Alistair Walsh

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News